Grads blast U. for handling of outsourcing, Grad Tower

The Graduate and Professional Student Assembly stepped into the middle some of the campus' most controversial issues last night, voting to criticize the University's approaches to outsourcing, graduate student space and residences. Concerned with the lack of attention paid to graduate students when the University decided to outsource management of all its buildings to Trammell Crow Co. two weeks ago, GAPSA members unanimously approved a resolution urging University Trustees to discuss "far-reaching changes" such as the outsourcing deal with the University community before they are implemented. The resolution noted that the surprise announcements of major policy changes such as the vending ordinance and outsourcing deal "create a sense of shock, fear, anger, mistrust and animosity toward this University and its officers." "The administration doesn't think [outsourcing is] the students' business," said former GAPSA chairperson Alex Welte, a Physics graduate student. "But it will affect the entire University community." In a similar motion, GAPSA members voted to urge the Trustees not to approve the outsourcing contract, saying that "proper public disclosure and discussion is absolutely necessary for such a major decision to made with confidence and credibility." Welte labeled the project a "shady deal" because of the $32 million the University will receive as part of the deal. "This is a chance for graduate students to really strike a blow against bad behavior," he added. GAPSA Vice Chairperson for Policy Matthew Ruben, a graduate student in the School of Arts and Sciences, stressed that the University's tactics in negotiating and announcing the contract were "morally repugnant." The body also unanimously passed a resolution demanding that the University permit students to remain in their Graduate Tower A rooms until their leases expire, which could be as late as July 31, 1998 in some cases. The resolution stems from a recent debate with administrators as to whether ongoing construction for the Sansom Common project would require the University to close Grad Tower A and relocate its tenants -- even if their leases had not yet expired. Such premature closing is "both foreseeable and unnecessary," the resolution said. Administrators have repeatedly said there is no plan to close the building early, but some graduate students are still insisting on a more concrete promise. If Grad Tower A closes, graduate students would also lose the only social space on campus allotted specifically to them -- the Red Room, an entertainment facility in the basement's building capable of holding more than 200 people. In the past, GAPSA members have complained about a lack of suitable social space, and stressed that the Red Room -- which cannot serve alcohol because it is in a University residence -- is not sufficient for GAPSA functions, like its popular happy hours that often attract as many as 1,000 graduate students. "[University administrators] have done enough for undergraduates and nothing for graduates," said GAPSA Vice Chairperson for Special Projects Heidi Tarshis. "It's about time they [start helping graduate students]."